Methods, systems, and devices for integrating wireless technology into a fiber optic network

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic network configuration having an optical network terminal located at a subscriber location. The fiber optic network configuration also includes a drop terminal located outside the subscriber location and a wireless transceiver located outside the subscriber location. The fiber optic network further includes a cabling arrangement including a first signal line that extends from the drop terminal to the optical network terminal, a second signal line that extends from the optical network terminal to the wireless transceiver, and a power line that extends from the optical network terminal to the wireless transceiver.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/252,908,filed Aug. 31, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,893,813, which is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 14/589,648, filed Jan. 5, 2015, nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,438,342, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.13/965,928, filed Aug. 13, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,929,740, which is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 12/718,818, filed Mar. 5, 2010, nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,532,490, which application claims the benefit ofprovisional application Ser. No. 61/157,710, filed Mar. 5, 2009,entitled “Methods, Systems and Devices for Integrating WirelessTechnology into a Fiber Optic Network,” which applications areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Fiber optic telecommunications technology is becoming more prevalent asservice providers strive to deliver higher bandwidth communicationcapabilities to customers/subscribers. The phrase “fiber to the x”(FTTX) generically refers to any network architecture that uses opticalfiber in place of copper within a local distribution area. Example FTTXnetworks include fiber-to-the-node (FTTN) networks, fiber-to-the-curb(FTTC) networks and fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) networks.

FTTN and FTTC networks use fiber optic cables that are run from aservice provider's central office to a cabinet serving a neighborhood.Subscribers connect to the cabinet using traditional copper cabletechnology such as coaxial cable or twisted pair wiring. The differencebetween an FTTN network and an FTTC network relates to the area servedby the cabinet. Typically, FTTC networks typically have cabinets closerto the subscribers that serve a smaller subscriber area than thecabinets of FTTN networks.

In an FTTP network, fiber optic cables are run from a service provider'scentral office all the way to the subscriber's premises. Example FTTPnetworks include fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks andfiber-to-the-building (FTTB) networks. In an FTTB network, optical fiberis routed from the central office over an optical distribution networkto an optical network terminal (ONT) located in a building. The ONTtypically includes active components that convert the optical signalsinto electrical signals in one direction and convert electrical signalsto optical signals in the opposite direction. The electrical signals aretypically routed from the ONT to the subscriber's residence or officespace using traditional copper cable technology. In an FTTH network,fiber optic cable is run from the service provider's central office toan ONT located at the subscriber's residence or office space. Onceagain, at the ONT, optical signals are typically converted intoelectrical signals for use with the subscriber's devices. However, tothe extent that an end user may have devices that are compatible withoptical signals, conversion of the optical signals to electrical signalsmay not be necessary.

FTTP networks include active optical networks and passive opticalnetworks. Active optical networks use electrically powered equipment(e.g., switches, routers, multiplexers or other equipment) to distributesignals and to provide signal buffering. Passive optical networks usepassive beam splitters instead of electrically powered equipment tosplit optical signals. In a passive optical network, ONT's are typicallyequipped with equipment (e.g., wave-division multiplexing andtime-division multiplexing equipment) that prevents incoming andoutgoing signals from colliding and that filters out signals intendedfor other subscribers.

A typical passive FTTP network includes fiber optic cables routed from acentral location (e.g., a service provider's central office) to a fiberdistribution hub (FDH) located in a local area such as a neighborhood.The fiber distribution hub typically includes a cabinet in which one ormore passive optical splitters are mounted. The splitters each arecapable of splitting a signal carried by a single fiber to a pluralityof fibers. The fibers split out at the splitter are routed from thefiber distribution hub into the local area using a fiber opticdistribution cable. Fibers are routed from the fiber distribution cableto subscriber locations (e.g., homes, businesses or buildings) usingvarious techniques. For example, fiber optic drop cables can be routeddirectly from a breakout location on the distribution cable to an ONT ata subscriber location. Alternatively, a stub cable can be routed from abreakout location of the distribution cable to a drop terminal. Dropcables can be run from the drop terminal to ONT's located at a pluralityof premises located near the drop terminal.

SUMMARY

Features of the present disclosure relate to methods, systems anddevices for incorporating or integrating wireless technology into afiber optic distribution network. In one embodiment, wireless technologyis incorporated into an FTTP network.

These and other features and advantages will be apparent from a readingof the following detailed description and a review of the associateddrawings. It is to be understood that both the forgoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the broad aspects of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a fiber optic network in accordance withthe principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of an example fiber distribution hub thatcan be used in the fiber optic network of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front, bottom perspective view of a drop terminal that canbe used in the fiber optic network of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the drop terminal of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the drop terminal of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an exploded, perspective view of the drop terminal of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a view showing the interior of a front piece of the dropterminal of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is another view showing the interior of the front piece of thedrop terminal of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a perspective, partial cross-sectional view showing a fiberoptic adapter and fiber optic connector that can be used with the dropterminal of FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a first cable configuration between adrop terminal, a network interface device and a wireless transceiver;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 11-11 of FIG.10 showing an example trunk section that can be used in the cableconfiguration of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 11-11 of FIG.10 showing an alternative trunk section for the cable configuration ofFIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 11-11 of FIG.10 showing another trunk section that can be used with the cableconfiguration of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 14-14 of FIG.10 showing an example branch section for the cable configuration of FIG.10;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 14-14 of FIG.10 showing an alternative branch section for the cable configuration ofFIG. 10;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 14-14 of FIG.10 showing still another branch section that can be used with the cableconfiguration of FIG. 10;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 17-17 of FIG.10 showing another branch section for the cable configuration of FIG.10;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 17-17 of FIG.10 showing a further branch section that can be used for the cableconfiguration of FIG. 10;

FIG. 19 shows a second cable configuration for providing aninterconnection between a drop terminal, a network interface device anda wireless transceiver;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 20-20 of FIG.19 showing an example cable arrangement for a trunk section of the cableconfiguration of FIG. 15;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 20-20 of FIG.19 showing an alternative trunk section for the cable configuration ofFIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 22-22 of FIG.19 showing an example branch cable arrangement for the cableconfiguration of FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 19-19 showingan alternative branch cable configuration that can be used for the cableconfiguration of FIG. 19;

FIG. 24 is a third cable configuration for providing connections betweena drop terminal, a network interface device and a wireless transceiver;

FIG. 25 is a schematic view showing a fourth cable configuration forproviding connections between a drop terminal, a network interfacedevice and a wireless transceiver;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of an example fiber optic adapter thatcan be used on the drop terminal, the wireless transceiver and thenetwork interface device of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing a ruggedized fiber opticconnector that can be inserted in an exterior port of the fiber opticadapter of FIG. 26; and

FIG. 28 is a schematic view of a fifth cable configuration forinterconnecting a drop terminal, a wireless transceiver and a networkinterface device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A. Example Network

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary passive optical network 100. As shown inFIG. 1, the network 100 is adapted to interconnect a central office 110to a number of end subscribers 115 (also called end users 115 herein).The central office 110 may additionally connect to a larger network suchas the Internet (not shown) and a public switched telephone network(PSTN). The various lines of the network can be aerial or housed withinunderground conduits (e.g., see conduit 105).

In general, the network 100 includes feeder distribution cables 120routed from the central office 110. The feeder distribution cables 120often include a main cable or trunk, and a plurality of branch cablesthat branch from the main cable. The portion of network 100 that isclosest to central office 110 is generally referred to as the F1 region.The F1 region of the network may include a feeder cable (i.e., an F1distribution cable) having on the order of 12 to 48 fibers; however,alternative implementations may include fewer or more fibers. Thenetwork 100 also has an F2 region that includes cables and componentslocated in closer proximity to the subscribers/end users 115.

The network 100 also may include fiber distribution hubs (FDHs) 130 thatreceive branch cables of the feeder distribution cable 120 and thatoutput one or more F2 distribution cables 122. In general, an FDH 130 isan equipment enclosure that may include a plurality of passive opticalsplitters (e.g., 1-to-8 splitters, 1-to-16 splitters, or 1-to-32splitters) for splitting the incoming feeder fibers into a number (e.g.,216, 432, etc.) of output distribution fibers corresponding to opticalfibers of the F2 distribution cables 122. The F2 distribution cables arerouted from the FDH 130 to locations in close proximity to the end users115.

The F2 distribution cables 122 can have a variety of different type ofconfigurations. As depicted at FIG. 1, the F2 distribution cablesinclude a plurality of breakout locations 116 at which branch cables(e.g., drop cables, stub cables, etc.) are separated out from andoptically coupled to trunks of the distribution cables 122. Breakoutlocations 116 also can be referred to as tap locations or branchlocations and branch cables also can be referred to as breakout cablesor tethers. At a breakout location, fibers of the trunk of thedistribution cable can be broken out and connectorized to form aconnectorized tether. In other embodiments, fibers of the trunk can bebroken out and spliced to a length of optical fiber having aconnectorized free end so as to form a connectorized tether.

Stub cables are typically branch cables that are routed from breakoutlocations 116 to intermediate access locations, such as a pedestals,drop terminals 104 or hubs. Intermediate access locations can provideconnector interfaces located between breakout locations 116 and thesubscriber locations 115. A drop cable is a cable that typically formsthe last leg to a subscriber location 115. For example, drop cables canbe routed from intermediate access locations to subscriber locations115. Drop cables also can be routed directly from breakout locations 116to subscriber locations 115, thereby bypassing any intermediate accesslocations.

In other embodiments, F2 distribution cable may not employ breakouts.Instead, an F2 distribution cable may be run from an FDH to a dropterminal such that one end of the F2 distribution cable is located atthe FDH and the other end of the F2 distribution cable is located at thedrop terminal. For such an embodiment, the F2 distribution cable mayinclude the same number of optical fibers as the number of access portsprovided on the drop terminal. For such an embodiment, an excess lengthof the F2 distribution cable can be stored on a spool provided at thedrop terminal as described at U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.61/098,494, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 1 shows the network after installation of the distribution cablesand drop terminals, but before installation of drop cables. Uponcompletion of the network, drop cables will typically be installed toform the final legs between the subscribers 115 and the intermediatelocations (e.g., drop terminals 104) or between the subscribers 115 andthe break out locations 116.

Referring still to FIG. 1, the depicted network is configured to allowservice to be distributed to the network via wireless transmissions aswell as hard connections (i.e., connections made to the network througha direct physical connection such as a co-axial cable, twisted paircable, fiber optic cable or other type of cable). Wireless transmissionsallow service to be provided to subscribers that are not hard connectedto the network and also allow redundant service to be provided tosubscribers that are hard connected to the network. As shown at FIG. 1,a wireless transceiver 132A is installed adjacent FDH 130A. The wirelesstransceiver 132A can be mounted inside the enclosure of the FDH 130A, orcan be outside the enclosure of the FDH 130A. The wireless transceiver132A has a coverage area 134A large enough to cover at least the portionof the network to which the FDH 130A provides hard service connections.In certain embodiments, the wireless transceiver 132A has a coveragearea larger than the portion of the network to which the FDH 130Aprovides hard service connections. Power for the wireless transceiver132A can be provided from a number of sources. For example, power can bemetered from an adjacent utility. Alternatively, power can be providedby a battery located at or near the FDH 130A. Further, power can beprovided by a solar panel 136 positioned on, at, or near the FDH 130A.In certain embodiments, the solar panel 136 can be used to re-charge abattery within the FDH enclosure that provides power to the wirelesstransceiver 132A.

Referring again to FIG. 1, wireless transceivers 132B are also mountedat or near the drop terminals 104 of the network. The wirelesstransceivers 132B have coverage areas 134B smaller than the coveragearea 134A of the wireless transceiver 132A. The coverage areas 134B areshown within the coverage area 134A and each coverage area 134Bcorresponds in size generally with the portion of the network to whichit corresponding drop terminals 104 is intended to provide hard serviceconnections.

It will be appreciated that the wireless transceivers 132B includecomponents for converting optical signals and/or electrical signals towireless signals. The wireless transceivers 132B further includescomponents for transmitting the wireless signals to a predeterminedtransmission area, and for receiving wireless signals transmitted fromtransmitters within the wireless service area. The wireless transceivercan also include multiplexers or other equipment.

B. Example Fiber Distribution Hub

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example lay out that can beused for the FDHs 130, 130A in the network of FIG. 1. Each FDH 130, 130Agenerally administers connections at a termination region 211 betweenincoming fibers and outgoing fibers in an Outside Plant (OSP)environment. As the term is used herein, “a connection” between fibersincludes both direct and indirect connections. Examples of incomingfibers include fibers from a feeder cable 202 that enter the FDH 130,130A and intermediate fibers (e.g., connectorized pigtails 208 extendingfrom splitters 250 and patching fibers/jumpers) that connect the fibersof the feeder cable 202 to the termination region 211. Examples ofoutgoing fibers include fibers of a subscriber cable 212 (e.g., fibersof F2 distribution cables) that exit the FDH 130, 130A and anyintermediate fibers that connect the fibers of the subscriber cable 212fibers to the termination region 211. The FDH 130, 130A provides aninterconnect interface for optical transmission signals at a location inthe network where operational access and reconfiguration are desired.For example, the FDH 130, 130A can be used to split the signals from thefeeder cables 202 and direct the split signals to the fiber of thedistribution cables 212 routed to subscriber locations 115. In addition,the FDH 130, 130A is designed to accommodate a range of alternativesizes and fiber counts and support factory installation of pigtails 208,fanouts, and splitter modules 250.

As shown at FIG. 2, the feeder cable 202 is initially routed into theexample FDH 130 through an enclosure/cabinet 201 (e.g., typicallythrough the back or bottom of the cabinet 201). In certain embodiments,the fibers of the feeder cable 202 can include ribbon fibers. An examplefeeder cable 202 may include twelve to forty-eight individual fibersconnected to the service provider's central office 110. In certainembodiments, after entering the cabinet 201, the fibers of the feedercable 202 are routed to a feeder cable interface 280 (e.g., fiber opticadapter modules, a splice tray, etc.). At the feeder cable interface280, one or more of the fibers of the feeder cable 202 are individuallyconnected to ends 204 of separate splitter input fibers 206. Thesplitter input fibers 206 are routed from the feeder cable interface 280to a splitter mounting location 222 at which a plurality of the splittermodules 250 can be mounted. In certain embodiments, the feeder cableinterface 280 can be located at the splitter mounting location 222 suchthat the splitter modules plug directly into the feeder cable interface(e.g., see U.S. Pat. No. 7,418,181 that is hereby incorporated byreference). Each splitter module 250 includes at least one fiber opticsplitter 251 positioned within a splitter housing 253. At the splittermounting location 222, the splitter input fibers 206 are opticallyconnected to separate splitter modules 250, wherein the input fibers 206are each split by the fiber optic splitters 251 of the splitter modules250 into multiple pigtails 208, each having a connectorized end 210. Thetermination region 211, the splitter mounting region 222 a, storageregion 213 and the feeder cable interface 280 can all be mounted on aswing frame/chassis 230 mounted within the cabinet 201. The chassis 230is pivotally movable relative to the cabinet 201 between a stowedposition in which the chassis 230 is fully within the cabinet 201 and anaccess position in which the chassis 230 projects at least partiallyoutside the cabinet 201. The pivotal configuration of the chassis 230allows the various components carried by the chassis 230 to be moreeasily accessed.

When the pigtails 208 are not in service, the connectorized ends 210 canbe temporarily stored on a storage module 260 that is mounted at thestorage region 213 of the swing frame 230. When the pigtails 208 areneeded for service, the pigtails 208 are routed from the splittermodules 250 to a termination module 240 that is provided at thetermination region 211 of the swing frame 230. At the termination module240, the connectorized ends 210 of the pigtails 208 are connected toconnectorized ends 214 of the fibers of the distribution cable 212 byfiber optic adapters 245. The termination region 211 is the dividingline between the incoming fibers and the outgoing fibers. A typicaldistribution cable 212 forms the F2 portion of a network (see FIG. 1)and typically includes a plurality of fibers (e.g., 144, 216 or 432fibers) that are routed from the FDH 130, 130A to subscriber locations115. Example FDHs are disclosed at U.S. patent application Ser. Nos.11/544,951 and 12/241,576 that are hereby incorporated by reference.

The splitter modules 250 and storage modules 260 can be incrementallyadded to the swing frame 230. The connectorized pigtails 208 aretypically stored in one or more of the storage modules 260 prior toinstallation on the swing frame 230. In certain embodiments, theconnector 210 of each pigtail 208 is secured in one of the storagemodules 260 before the splitter module 250 leaves the factory.

C. Example Drop Terminal

FIGS. 3-8 show an example configuration for the drop terminals 104 usedin the network of FIG. 1. The drop terminal configuration includes ahousing 352 having a back piece 354 and a front piece 356 that cooperateto enclose an interior region 357 (shown at FIG. 6 where the back piece354 has been removed from the front piece 356). A plurality of fiberoptic adapters 358 are mounted to the front piece 356. The adapters 358include exterior ports 360 that are accessible from the outside of thehousing 352. In use, connectorized ends of drop cables can be insertedinto the exterior ports 360 to connect the drop cables to the network.The exterior ports 360 are enclosed by plugs 362 when not connected todrop cables. The fiber optic adapters 358 also include interior ports364 that are accessible from inside the housing 352. The interior ports364 receive interior fiber optic connectors 366 (e.g., standard SCconnectors as disclosed at U.S. Pat. No. 5,317,663, which is herebyincorporated by reference) that are mounted to the ends of fibers 371corresponding to a fiber optic cable 367 (e.g., a branch cable from anF2 trunk) that is routed into the interior of the housing 352. At FIG.8, for clarity, the routing paths for only two of the fibers 371 areshown. In practice, fibers 371 will be routed to each of the interiorfiber optic connectors 366 of the drop terminal 104. The fibers 371 areoptically coupled to corresponding fibers of the cable 367. For example,the fibers 271 can be integral continuations of the fibers of the cable367 or can be spliced to the fibers of the cable 367. Further detailsabout the drop terminal configuration can be found in U.S. applicationSer. No. 12/248,564, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing one of the fiber opticadapters 358 and a corresponding exterior fiber optic connector 372adapted to be received within the exterior port 360 of the adapter 358.The exterior fiber optic connector 372 includes a connector body 373having a distal end portion 374 at which a ferrule 375 is mounted. Theferrule 375 supports and end portion of an optical fiber 376 of a cable(e.g., a drop cable) to which the fiber optic connector 372 is attached.When the connector 373 is inserted within the exterior port 360, theferrule 375 fits within an alignment sleeve 377 (e.g., a split sleeve)of the adapter 358. The alignment sleeve 377 also receives a ferrule ofthe interior connector 366 inserted within the interior port 364 of thefiber optic adapter 358. In this way, the alignment sleeve 377 providesalignment between the fiber 376 of the exterior fiber optic connector372 and the fiber 371 of the interior fiber optic connector 366 therebyproviding an optical connection that allows optical signals can betransferred between the fibers 376, 371. An o-ring 378 is mounted aboutthe connector body 373 and forms an environmental seal between theconnector body 373 and the fiber optic adapter 358 when the exteriorfiber optic connector 372 is mounted within the exterior port 360. Theexterior fiber optic connector 372 can be retained within the exteriorport 360 by a threaded fastener 379 that threads into internal threads380 defined within the exterior port 360. The fiber optic adapter 358also includes a sealing member 381 (e.g., a o-ring) that provides anenvironmental seal between the exterior of the fiber optic adapter 358and the front piece 356 of the drop terminal 104 when the adapter 358 ismounted within an opening defined by the front piece 356. A nut 383 canbe used to secure the adapter 358 to the front piece 356 of the dropterminal 104. Further details of the fiber optic adapter 358 and theexterior fiber optic connector 372 are disclosed at U.S. applicationSer. No. 12/203,508, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

D. Example Cabling Configurations for Providing Power to a WirelessTransceiver

FIG. 10 shows an example cabling configuration 400 used to provide powerand network connections to one of the wireless transmitters 132B of thenetwork of FIG. 1. Generally, the cabling configuration 400 provides anoptical signal feed from one of the drop terminals 104 to an ONT 401positioned at the subscriber location 115. As described previously, thedrop terminal 104 can be optically connected to one of the FDHs 130A(e.g., by an F2 distribution cable such as cable 367) which is opticallyconnected to the central office 110. The ONT 401 includes a converter403 that converts fiber optic signals to Ethernet signals and thatconverts Ethernet signals back to fiber optic signals. The ONT 401 alsotypically includes other signal processing equipment (e.g., amulti-plexer) in addition to the converter 403. In one embodiment, theoptical signal feed is split before being converted at the converter403. The split fiber optic signal feeds are converted to Ethernet signalfeeds at the converter 403. One of the converted signal feeds isprovided to the subscriber 115 while the other converted signal feed isback fed through the cabling configuration 400 to the wirelesstransceiver 132B. The cabling configuration 400 is also used to providea power connection between a power source 405 at the ONT 401 and thewireless transceiver 132B. The cabling configuration 400 can alsoprovide a ground connection between the wireless transceiver 132B and aground location 407 at the ONT 401. In other embodiments, the Ethernetsignal may be split. In still other embodiments, multiple fiber opticlines may be routed to the ONT 401 thereby eliminating the need forsignal splitting.

The cabling configuration 400 includes a bifurcated cable having a trunksection 402 and two branch sections 404, 406. The branch sections 404,406 are connected to the trunk section 402 at a furcation member 408.The trunk 402 is capable of transmitting twisted pair Ethernet signalsand fiber optic signals. The trunk 402 also include power and groundlines. The branch section 404 is adapted for carrying fiber opticsignals. The branch section 406 is adapted for carrying twisted pairEthernet signals and also includes power and ground lines.

FIGS. 11-13 show several different cable arrangements that can be usedfor the trunk section 402 of the cabling configuration 400. The views ofFIGS. 11-13 are taken along cross section line 11-11 of FIG. 10.Referring to FIG. 11, cable arrangement 402A includes four twisted wirepairs 410. Each twisted wire pair 410 includes two wires that aretwisted relative to one another about a common axis. Each of the wiresincludes a central conductor (e.g., a copper conductor) and aninsulation layer surrounding the central conductor. In otherembodiments, co-axial cable could be used in place of the twisted pairwires. Referring still to FIG. 11, the cable configuration 402A alsoincludes an optical fiber 412, a dedicated power line 414 and adedicated ground line 415. In one embodiment, the optical fiber caninclude a bend sensitive optical fiber having an outer diameter of about250 microns. The optical fiber can be loosely or tightly buffered. Inone embodiment, a tight buffer layer having an outer diameter of about900 microns is provided over the optical fiber.

The power line 414 and ground line 415 are used to transfer powerbetween the power source 405 and active components of the wirelesstransceiver 132B. The twisted wire pairs 410 are used to convey Ethernetsignals between the ONT 401 and the wireless transmitter 132B. Theoptical fiber 412 is used to convey fiber optic signals between the dropterminal 104 and the ONT 401.

Referring still to FIG. 11, the cable arrangement 402A also includes aspacer 416 for separating the various wires/fibers of the cablearrangement. The spacer and the wires/fibers together form a core of thecable arrangement 402A. A strength layer 418 is positioned around thecore. In one embodiment, the strength layer 418 includes tensilereinforcing members such as aramid yarn. The cable arrangement 402A alsoincludes an outer jacket 420 that surrounds the strength layer 418.

The spacer 416 functions to position and maintain separation between thecomponents forming the core of the cable configurations. For example,the depicted spacer 416 defines a plurality separate pockets forreceiving components such as twisted wire pairs, fibers and power/groundlines. In other embodiments, cables in accordance with the principles ofthe present disclosure may include tape spacers (e.g., tapedividers/separators). In further embodiments, cable arrangements inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure may not usespacers.

The cable arrangement 402B of FIG. 12 is the same as the cablearrangement 402A of FIG. 11 except no dedicated power or ground linesare provided within the cable arrangement 402B. Instead, power iscarried through the cable arrangement 402B along selected ones of thetwisted wire pairs 410.

Similar to the cable arrangement 402B of FIG. 12, the cable arrangement402C of FIG. 13 also includes four twisted wire pairs 410 and opticalfiber 412. However, the cable arrangement 402C has a modified spacer416′ within which a central strength member 417 is located. The centralstrength member 417 preferably provides tensile reinforcement to thecable arrangement 402C. Also, it is preferred for the central strengthmember 417 to be made of an electrically conductive material. In oneembodiment, the central strength member 417 is made of a metal materialsuch as steel. The cable arrangement 402C also includes a conductivelayer 419 that surrounds the inner cable core. The conductive layer 419can include a braid of material such as aramid yarn and metal strands(e.g., copper strands). In other embodiments, the conductive layer 419can be formed by a layer of conductive tape. In one embodiment, thecentral strength member 417 can be used as a power line for providingpower to the wireless transceiver 132B and the conductive layer 419 canbe used as a ground line. The outer jacket 420 surrounds the conductivelayer 419.

Example cable arrangements 406A-406C for the branch section 406 areshown at FIGS. 14-16. The views of FIGS. 14-16 are taken along sectionline 14-14 of FIG. 10. The cable arrangement 406A is the same as thecable arrangement 402A of FIG. 11 except the optical fiber 412 is notpresent. Similarly, the cable arrangement 406B of FIG. 15 is the same asthe cable arrangement 402B of FIG. 12 except the optical fiber 412 isnot present. Further, the cable arrangement 406C of FIG. 16 is the sameas the cable arrangement 402C of FIG. 13 except the optical fiber 412 isnot present. The optical fiber 412 is not present in the cablearrangements 406A-406C of FIGS. 14-16 because the optical fiber 412 isbroken out from the trunk section 402 and routed into the branch section404 at the furcation member 408. Other than the fiber 412, the remainderof the trunk section 402 extends through the furcation member 408 toform the branch section 406. The branch section 404 preferably has anarrangement suitable for protecting the optical fiber 412. The opticalfiber 412 can have a connectorized end (e.g., a connector such as theconnector 372 of FIG. 9) that can be readily inserted into one of theexterior ports 360 of the drop terminal 104. By inserting theconnectorized end into the exterior port 360, an optical connection ismade between the optical fiber 412 and one of the optical fibers 371(shown at FIG. 8) of the fiber optic cable 367 routed to the dropterminal 104.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show example cable arrangements 404A, 404B suitable foruse as the branch section 404 of the cable configuration 400 of FIG. 10.In the cable arrangement 404A of FIG. 17, the optical fiber 412 issurrounded by a buffer layer (e.g., a tight buffer layer or a loosebuffer tube) which in turn is surrounded by a strength layer 430. In oneembodiment, the strength layer 430 provides tensile reinforcement to thecable arrangement 404A and can include a plurality of flexiblereinforcing members such as aramid yarns. The strength layer 430 issurrounded by an outer jacket 440. The strength layer 430 can beanchored at one end of the branch section 404 to a connectorized end ofthe optical fiber 412 and can be anchored at the other end of the branchsection 404 to the furcation member 408.

In the cable arrangement 404B of FIG. 18, the optical fiber 412 andbuffer layer 413 are surrounded by an outer jacket 450 having atransverse cross section that is elongated along an axis 452. Theoptical fiber 412 is centered generally on the axis 452. Also, strengthmembers 454 are positioned on the axis 452 on opposite sides of theoptical fiber 412. The strength members 454 are embedded within thejacket 450 and are parallel to the optical fiber 412. The strengthmembers 454 preferably provide tensile reinforcement to the cablearrangement 404B. In one embodiment, each of the strength membersincludes a rod formed by fiber glass reinforced epoxy. Similar to thestrength layer 430 of the cable arrangement 404A of FIG. 12, thestrength members 454 can be anchored at one end of the branch section404 to the furcation member 408 and at the other end of the branchsection 404 can be anchored to the connectorized end of the opticalfiber 412.

FIG. 19 depicts another cabling configuration 500 for back feedingtelecommunications service and power from an ONT 502 to one of thewireless transceivers 132B of the network of FIG. 1. As shown at FIG.19, distribution cable 367 is routed from FDH 130, 130A to one of thedrop terminals 104. An optical signal provided to drop terminal 104 bythe distribution cable 367 is directed from an exterior port 360 of oneof the fiber optic adapters 358 of the drop terminal 104 through thecabling configuration 500 to the ONT 502. At the ONT 502, the opticalsignal is split at splitter 503. One output from the splitter 503 isdirected to one or more components 504 of the ONT (e.g., an activecomponent such as a converter and other equipment such as a multiplexer)and is then routed to the subscriber 115. The other output from thesplitter 503 is back fed through the cabling configuration 500 to thewireless transceiver 132B. The cabling configuration 500 alsoelectrically connects the wireless transceiver 132B to a power source505 and a ground location 507 of the ONT 502.

The cabling configuration 500 includes a trunk section 510, a furcationmember 512 and two branch sections 514, 516. The cabling configuration500 includes a first optical transmission path 517 that extends from thedrop terminal 104 through the branch section 514, the furcation member512 and the trunk section 510 to the ONT 502. The cabling configuration500 also includes a second optical transmission path 519 that extendsfrom the wireless transceiver 132B through branch section 516, furcationmember 512 and trunk section 510 to the ONT 502. The cablingconfiguration 500 further includes a power line 521 and a grounding line523 that extend from the ONT 502 through the trunk section 510, thefurcation member 512 and the branch section 516 to the wirelesstransceiver 132B.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show example cable arrangements 510A, 510B (i.e., cableassemblies) that can be used for the trunk section 510 of the cablingconfiguration 500. The views of the FIGS. 20 and 21 are taken alongcross section line 20-20 of FIG. 19. The cable arrangement 510A includesoptical fibers 520 positioned within a buffer tube 522. The buffer tube522 is encased within an outer jacket 524. When viewed in transversecross section, the outer jacket 524 is elongated along an axis 526. Thebuffer tube 522 is centered on the axis 526. The cable arrangement 510Aalso includes two strength members 528 aligned along the axis 526 onopposite sides of the buffer tube 522. The strength members 528preferably provide tensile reinforcement to the cable arrangement 510Aand are preferably generally parallel to the buffer tube 522. In apreferred embodiment, at least portions of the strength members 528 areelectrically conductive. For example, in one embodiment, the strengthmembers 528 have a metal construction such as steel. In anotherembodiment, the strength members 528 can include a steel constructionwith an outer conductive coating such as copper. In still otherembodiments, the strength members 528 can include fiber glass reinforcedepoxy rods that are coated with a conductive layer such as copper.

The cable arrangement 510B of FIG. 21 includes buffer tube 522surrounding optical fibers 520. The cable configuration 510 alsoincludes a strength layer 530 that surrounds the buffer tube 522 andprovides tensile reinforcement to the cable arrangement 510B. In apreferred embodiment, the strength layer is formed by a plurality ofaramid yarns. An outer jacket 532 surrounds the strength layer 530.Conductive members 533, 535 (e.g., conductive tape or other conductivemembers) are positioned inside the jacket 532.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show example cable arrangements 516A, 516B that can beused for the branch section 516 of the cabling configuration 500. Thecable arrangement 516A of FIG. 22 is the same as the cable arrangementof 510A of FIG. 20 except one of the fibers 520 is not present.Similarly, the cable arrangement 516B of FIG. 23 is the same as thecable arrangement 510B of FIG. 121 except one of the fibers 520 is notpresent. By way of example, the branch section 514 can have a cablearrangement suitable for protecting an optical fiber such as the cablearrangements of FIGS. 17 and 18.

Generally, the cable arrangement forming the trunk section 510 extendsfrom the ONT 502 through the furcation member 512 and then along thebranch section 516. At the furcation 512, one of the fibers 522 isbroken out from the trunk section 510 and directed along branch section514. Thus, one of the fibers 520 of the cabling configuration 500extends from the ONT 502 along the trunk section 510, through thefurcation 512, along the branch section 516 to the wireless transmitter132A to provide the second optical path 519. The other optical fiber 520extends from the ONT 502 along the trunk section 510, through thefurcation member 512, along the branch 514 to the drop terminal 104 toform the first optical path 517. The branch 514 can be terminated by aconnector (e.g., a connector such as the connector 372 of FIG. 9) thatis inserted in the exterior port 360 of one of the fiber optic adapters358 of the drop terminal 104 to provide an optical connection with theFDH and the central office 110. The reinforcing members 528 extend fromthe ONT 502 along the trunk section 510 through the furcation member512, along the branch section 516 to the wireless transceiver 132A toform the power and grounding lines 521, 523 between the wirelesstransceiver 132A and the power source 505 and grounding location 507 atthe ONT 502. Because the strength members 528 have electricallyconductive properties, the strength members 528 can serve the dualfunction of reinforcing the cable assembly 500 and also providing apower connection between the ONT 502 and the wireless transceiver.

FIG. 24 shows a cabling configuration 600 for feeding power from an ONT602 to a wireless transceiver 132C. The cabling configuration 600includes an optical transmission path 604 that extends from the exteriorports 360 of one of the fiber optic adapters 358 of drop terminal 104 tothe ONT 602. The cabling configuration 600 also includes a power line605 and a grounding line 606 that extend from the ONT 602 to thewireless transceiver 132C. The optical transmission path 604 and thepower and grounding lines 605, 606 are grouped together along a trunksection 607 of the cabling configuration 600. The optical transmissionpath 604 separates from the power and grounding lines 605, 606 atfurcation member 609 such that the optical transmission path 604 extendsalong a first branch section 610 of the cabling configuration 600 andthe power and grounding lines 605, 606 extend along a second branchsection 611 of the cabling configuration 600. The optical transmissionpath 604 allows fiber optic telecommunications service to be provided tothe subscriber 115 through the ONT 602. The branch section 610 caninclude a connectorized end (e.g., provided by a connector such as theconnector 372 of FIG. 9) that is inserted in the exterior port 360 ofone of the fiber optic adapters 358 of the drop terminal 104. Asdescribed previously, various active and passive components 613 can beprovided within the ONT 602 for converting the optical signal to anEthernet signal, and for providing multiplexing capabilities. The powerline 605 is connected to a power source 603 located at the ONT 602 andthe grounding line 606 is connected to a ground location 605 at the ONT602.

Referring still to FIG. 24, the wireless transceiver 132C includes anouter housing 620 in which active transceiver components 621 of thetransceiver are housed. At least one of the fiber optic adapters 358 ismounted to the outer housing 620. The exterior port 360 of the fiberoptic adapter 358 is accessible from outside the housing 620 while theinterior port 364 can receive the connectorized end of an optical fiber623 routed from the fiber optic adapter 358 to the active transceivercomponent or components 621 within the housing 620 (e.g., transceivingequipment). A cable 630 is used to provide an optical transmission pathbetween the drop terminal 104 and the wireless transceiver 132C. Thecable 630 can include an optical fiber having connectorized endsinserted respectively in one of the exterior ports 360 of the dropterminal 104 and in the exterior port 360 of the wireless transceiver132C. The connectorized ends of the cable can include connectors such asthe connector 372 of FIG. 9. In this way, the wireless transceivercomponent 621 is placed in optical communication with the central office110 via an optical transmission path that extends through fiber 623 tothe cable 630, through the cable 630 to the drop terminal 104, throughinternal fibers 371 of the drop terminal to cable 367, through cable 367to FDH 130, 130A, and through F2 cable 120 from FDH 130, 130A to thecentral office 110.

FIG. 25 shows a cabling configuration 700 including a first cable 701and a second cable 703. The first cable 701 provides an opticaltransmission path 750, a power line 751 and a grounding line 752 betweenan ONT 702 and a drop terminal 104′. The power and grounding lines 751,752 are respectively connected to a power source 790 and a groundlocation 791 at the ONT 702. The second cable 703 provides an opticaltransmission path 754, a power line 755 and a grounding line 756 betweenthe drop terminal 104′ and a wireless transceiver 132D. The dropterminal 104′ includes a plurality of the fiber optic adapters 258mounted to an outer housing of the drop terminal 104′. The drop terminal104′ also includes a plurality of modified fiber optic adapters 258′(shown at FIG. 26) having interior ports 364′ and exterior ports 360′.The fiber optic adapters 358′ have the same configuration as the fiberoptic adapter 358 shown at FIG. 9 except exterior ports 360′ of theadapters 358′ have been modified to include power contacts 390′ andground contacts 391′. The interior ports 364′ receive internal fiberoptic connectors corresponding to fibers of distribution cable 367routed from the FDH 130, 130A to the drop terminal 104′.

As shown at FIG. 26, the power contacts 320′ and the ground contacts321′ are positioned at opposite sides of an alignment sleeve 377′ of thefiber optic adapter 358′. As shown at FIG. 25, a first circuit path 760is provided within the drop terminal 104′ for electrically connectingthe power contacts 320′ of the fiber optic adapters 258′. The dropterminal 104′ also includes a second circuit path 762 for electricallyconnecting the ground contacts 321′ of the fiber optic adapters 258′.The contacts 320′, 321′ can respectively include exterior tabs 323′,325′ for facilitating connecting the contacts 320′, 321′ to theirrespective circuit paths 760, 762. In one embodiment, the first andsecond circuit paths 760, 762 can be provided on a circuit board mountedwithin the drop terminal 104′.

Referring to FIG. 27, an example connector 390′ adapted to interfacewith the exterior ports 360′ of the fiber optic adapters 358′ isdepicted. The connector 390′ has substantially the same configuration asthe connector 372 with the addition of a power lead 391′ and a groundlead 392′. The connector 390′ includes a connector body 394′ supportinga ferrule 395′. The power and ground leads 391′, 392′ are positioned onopposite sides of the ferrule 395′. The connector 390′ is shownconnected to the end of the first cable 701. The first cable is shownhaving the same configuration as the cable 516A of FIG. 22. The powerlead 391′ is electrically connected to one of the conductive strengthmembers 528 of the cable 701 while the ground lead 392′ is electricallyconnected to the other conductive strength member 528 of the cable 701.The conductive strength members 528 respectively electrically connectthe power and ground leads 391′, 392′ to the power source 790 andgrounding location 791 at the ONT 702.

When the connector 390′ is inserted within one of the exterior ports360′, the ferrule 395′ fits within the alignment sleeve 377′, the powerlead 391′ engages the power contact 320′ and the ground lead 392′engages the ground contact 321′. Thus, via the interface between theconnector 390′ and the adapter 358′, the fiber within the cable 701 isoptically connected to one of the optical fibers of the distributioncable 367 routed from the drop terminal 104′ to the FDH 130, 130A. Theinterface between the connector 390′ and the adapter 358′ also providesan electrical connection between the power source 790 (which iselectrically connected to the power lead 391′) and the first circuitpath 760. The first circuit path 760 provides power to the power contact320′ of the other adapter 358′ of the drop terminal 104′. The interfacebetween the connector 390′ and the adapter 358′ further provides anelectrical connection between the ground location 791 (which iselectrically connected to the ground lead 392′) and the second circuitpath 762. The second circuit path 762 grounds the ground contact 321′ ofthe other adapters 358′ of the drop terminal 104′. In other embodiments,more than two of the adapters 358′ can be provided on the drop terminal104′ and linked to remote power and grounding locations.

The adapter 358′ and connector 390′ interface can also be used at otherlocations where it is desired to connect power/ground and a fiber opticline through the same connector arrangement. For example, the adapter358′ and the connector 390′ can be used at the interface between thefirst cable 701 and the ONT 702 of FIG. 25. Also, the adapter 358′ andthe connector 390′ can be used at the interface between the trunksection 607 and the ONT 602 of FIG. 24. Further, the adapter 358′ andthe connector 390′ can be used at the interface between the wirelesstransceiver 132B and the branch section 516 of FIG. 19. Moreover, theadapter 358′ and connector 390′ can be modified to have a multi-fiberferrule and alignment sleeve configuration and used at the interfacebetween the trunk 510 and the ONT 502 of FIG. 19.

Referring again to FIG. 25, the wireless transceiver 132D includes atleast one of the fiber optic adapters 358′ mounted to an exterior wallof an outer enclosure/housing 780 of the wireless transceiver 132D. Thepower contact 320′ and the ground contact 321′ of the fiber opticadapter 358′ are preferably electrically connected by circuit paths 770,771 to active transceiver components 764 located within the housing 780of the wireless transceiver 132D. An internal optical fiber 766 extendsfrom the active transceiver components 764 to a fiber optic connectormounted within the interior port 364′ of the fiber optic adapter 258′.The second cable 703 is used to provide an optical transmission path anda power transmission path between the drop terminal 104′ and thewireless transceiver 132D. The second cable 703 can have the sameconfiguration as the first cable 701 used to connect the drop terminal104′ to the ONT 702. For example, the cable 702 can have each endconnectorized with one of the connectors 390′ and can have a cableconfiguration of the type shown by the cable 516A of FIG. 22. Theconnectorized ends of the second cable 703 are preferably insertedwithin corresponding exterior ports 360′ of the drop terminal 104′ andthe wireless transceiver 132D. When the second cable 703 is installedbetween the drop terminal 104′ and the wireless transceiver 132D, theinternal optical fiber 766 of the wireless transceiver 132D is opticallyconnected to one of the fibers of the distribution cable 367 thatextends from the drop terminal 104′ to the FDH 130, 130A. Also, theactive transceiver components 764 are electrically connected to thepower source 790 and grounding location 791 of the ONT 702.Specifically, the grounding and power pathways extend through the firstcable 701 from the ONT 702 to a first one of the adapters 358′, throughthe circuit paths 760, 762 to a second one of the adapters 358′, throughthe second cable 703 to the contacts 320′, 321′ of the adapter 358′ onthe wireless transceiver 132D, and then through the circuit paths 770,771 to the active transceiver components 764.

FIG. 28 shows a cabling system 800 having a cable 801 that provides anoptical transmission line 803, a power transmission line 805 and aground line 807 between an ONT 802 and a drop terminal 104″. The cable801 can have the same configuration as the first cable 701 of FIG. 25and can include connectorized ends including connectors 390′ thatinterface with adapters 358′ provided at the ONT 802 and at the dropterminal 104″. The power and ground contacts 320′, 321′ of the adapter358′ at the ONT 802 can be respectively connected to a power source 830and a ground location 832.

The drop terminal 104″ has the same configuration as the drop terminal104′ except an active wireless transceiver component 810 is mountedwithin an outer housing 812 of the drop terminal 104″. One or moreoptical fibers from distribution cable 367 routed from the FDH 130, 130Ato the drop terminal 104″ are optically coupled to the wirelesstransceiver component 810 within the drop terminal 104″ by one or moreinternal optical fibers 840. In this way, one or more fiber opticsignals can be routed to the wireless transceiver component 810 from theFDH 130, 130A. Optical fibers of the distribution cable 367 are alsolinked to interior connectors mounted within the interior ports 364′ ofthe fiber optic adapters 358′. Furthermore, the wireless transceivercomponent 810 is electrically connected to power and ground contacts320′, 321′ of the adapter 358′ of the drop terminal 104″ by circuitpaths 850, 851. Grounding and power pathways extend through the cable801 from the ONT 802 to the adapters 358′ on the drop terminal 104″, andthen from the adapter 358′ through the circuit paths 850, 851 to thewireless transceiver component 810.

In certain embodiments, cabling configurations in accordance with thepresent disclosure may include cables that provide power to a wirelesstransceiver or other wireless device without providing separategrounding lines (e.g., the wireless device may be grounded through othermeans).

From the forgoing detailed description, it will be evident thatmodifications and variations can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A communication network architecture comprising:an environmentally sealed drop terminal including a plurality ofhardened ports for receiving hardened fiber optic connectors; a fiberoptic feed that optically connects to the hardened ports of theenvironmentally sealed drop terminal; an enclosure containing an activeopto-electronic component, the enclosure being located away from asubscriber location; and a power feed cable including electricalconductors for feeding power received from the subscriber location tothe active opto-electronic component within the enclosure, wherein theactive opto-electronic component is configured to be powered by thepower received from the subscriber location.
 2. The communicationnetwork architecture of claim 1, wherein the opto-electronic componentincludes signal conversion electronics.
 3. The communication networkarchitecture of claim 1, wherein the opto-electronic component includesmulti-plexing electronics.
 4. The communications network architecture ofclaim 1, wherein the opto-electronic component includes a wirelesstransmitter.
 5. The communications network architecture of claim 1,wherein the electrical conductors are dedicated power conductors.
 6. Thecommunications network architecture of claim 1, wherein the fiber opticfeed is terminated by a hardened fiber optic connector.
 7. Thecommunications network architecture of claim 6, wherein the hardenedfiber optic connector includes an exterior seal for forming a seal witha hardened port of the drop terminal and a threaded fastener forsecuring the hardened fiber optic connector within the hardened port ofthe drop terminal.
 8. A module comprising: an enclosure adapted forinstallation in an outside environment at a location away from asubscriber location; an active opto-electronic component positionedwithin the enclosure; a power feed cable including electrical conductorsfor feeding power received from the subscriber location to the activeopto-electronic component within the enclosure, wherein the activeopto-electronic component is configured to be powered by the powerreceived from the subscriber location; and an optical feed cableseparate from the power feed cable, the optical feed cable beingoptically coupled to the active opto-electronic component, the opticalfeed cable having a first end at the enclosure and a second end adaptedto be optically coupled to a drop terminal, the second end of theoptical feed cable including a hardened fiber optic connector, thehardened fiber optic connector including an exterior seal for forming aseal with a hardened port of the drop terminal and a threaded fastenerfor securing the hardened fiber optic connector within the hardened portof the drop terminal.
 9. The module of claim 8, wherein theopto-electronic component includes signal conversion electronics. 10.The module of claim 8, wherein the opto-electronic component includesmulti-plexing electronics.
 11. The module of claim 8, wherein theopto-electronic component includes a wireless transmitter.
 12. Themodule of claim 8, wherein the electrical conductors are dedicated powerconductors.
 13. A communication network arrangement comprising: anenclosure for installation in an outside environment at a location awayfrom a subscriber location; an active opto-electronic componentpositioned within the enclosure; a stub optical cable that extendsoutwardly from the enclosure, the stub optical cable being opticallycoupled with the opto-electronic component; a power and signal cableconfigured for conveying communication signals between the enclosure andthe subscriber location and for back-feeding power received from thesubscriber location to the active opto-electronic component within theenclosure, wherein the active opto-electronic component is configured tobe powered by the power received from the subscriber location.
 14. Thecommunication network of claim 13, wherein the opto-electronic componentincludes signal conversion electronics.
 15. The communication network ofclaim 13, wherein the opto-electronic component includes multi-plexingelectronics.
 16. The communication network of claim 13, wherein theopto-electronic component includes a wireless transmitter.
 17. Thecommunication network of claim 13, wherein the electrical conductors arededicated power conductors.